Scott says Varejao 'not going anywhere'

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a tremendous future. Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson both look good, they have some good supporting pieces, and with another poor year in terms of wins but not team quality, they'll have a great pick in a fantastic draft. Everything's looking up for the future.

So why then is the team so hellbent on keeping and playing its veterans?

Anderson Varejao is having a a nice rebound season. He missed most of 2011 with injury, and has been back to the sort of gritty play that gets him mentioned as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate every season. But for a team rebuilding trying to find a new foundation? He could be a tremendous trade chip for teams needing a viable center. He comes with a hefty price tag, being owed over $17 million between this year and next, before his contract becomes non-gauranteed in 2013-2014.

But the Cavaliers? They're not selling. From the Akron Beacon-Journal:

“It would have to be an unbelievable person to get back,” Scott said when asked if the Cavs could part with Varejao. “I look at him as one of the guys you look at and say ‘He’s not going anywhere.’ I just feel that strongly about him and what he means to this team.”

The same problem with this line of thinking is what's wrong with the minutes Antawn Jamison is getting for the Cavaliers. It's great to try and win games, if you think you have a legitimate shot this season. But the Cavaliers know they don't. They need to be focused on the future, and that means making room for Tristan Thompson and cashing in on Varejao when his value is high.

Varejao can make a huge impact for a contender should they choose to acquire him and send Cleveland picks and/or young players. He has more value to those teams than he does to the Cavs, as good as he is. There's certainly value to letting Irving and Thompson play with good players. And Jamison's experience does have value even if his schooting has gone completely. But Cleveland should be ready to move towards the future. And it's unlikely that Varejao will be in a position to be a part of that.

Post Deleted by Administrator

Since: Jan 12, 2012

Posted on: January 12, 2012 9:40 am

Scott says Varejao 'not going anywhere'

Cavs management is actually doing a very good job and the thoughts expressed in this article are already being considered by the team. I believe you'll see these things play out as the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches.

@dopper: Cavs GM, Chris Grant was put in place AFTER Lebron took "his talents to Souf Beach", replacing Danny Ferry. Danny Ferry and owner Dan Gilbert aggressively pursued several great players over the course of Lebron's stint as a Cavalier, including Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Amare Stoudemire, and even Chris Bosh... but none of these players were interested in coming to Cleveland until Lebron committed to the team. His refusal to commit to the Cavs literally handcuffed the organization from being able to build anything meaningful around him.

The Cavs have an owner committed to winning with the money and willingness to pay top talent. Their management can harldy be judged based on the narcissistic sharades of a home-town coulda-been hero who has proven to be one of the most selfish and egotistical athletes to ever lace up.

The reason no one looks at the Cav's inability to attract a great running mate for Lebron as a reason for leaving Cleveland is simply because it's not a reason.

Since: Oct 16, 2011

Posted on: January 12, 2012 9:03 am

Scott says Varejao 'not going anywhere'

The Cav have bad management, They couldn't get James a second stud player (no one looks at that as a reason he left) but they keep getting a pass. Get rid of their GM and then see what someone who knows what they're doing can do!

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